Manchester City Secure Signing of Dutch Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders Ahead of Club World Cup…Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan on a five-year deal, with the transfer fee reported to be in the region of £46.3 million (€55 million).
The 26-year-old arrives at the Etihad Stadium at a crucial time, just days before the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in the United States on June 14.
Reijnders’ move marks another ambitious step by City as they look to bolster their squad for both domestic and international dominance.
The Netherlands international, who enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 campaign in Serie A, is expected to bring a new dynamic to Pep Guardiola’s midfield.
His performances for Milan saw him earn the Serie A Midfielder of the Year award, thanks to his 15 goals and five assists across 54 appearances in all competitions.
City’s interest in Reijnders had been long-standing, but talks intensified following his continued rise in European football.
Known for his technical ability, vision, and tactical intelligence, Reijnders fits the profile of a Guardiola player—versatile, composed on the ball, and capable of contributing on both ends of the pitch.
Upon completing the transfer, Reijnders expressed his enthusiasm about joining the reigning Premier League champions.
“This is a dream move for me,” he said. “Manchester City is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and working with a manager like Pep Guardiola is something every player hopes for.
I’m excited to start this journey and help the team achieve even more success.”
Reijnders, who has earned 23 caps and scored four goals for the Netherlands national team, is expected to slot into City’s midfield rotation immediately.
With the Club World Cup on the horizon, his integration into the squad is likely to be swift, and he could feature in City’s opening match against Moroccan champions Wydad AC.
Manchester City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, praised the club’s newest acquisition, stating: “Tijjani is a player we’ve admired for some time.
His performances in Italy and on the international stage have shown that he belongs at the top level.
READ MORE: Banks Cut Loans to Manufacturers by 26%, Lending Drops to ₦8 Trillion Amid Soaring Interest Rates
He brings energy, creativity, and discipline to the midfield—qualities that will only strengthen our squad.”
Reijnders becomes City’s fourth signing of the summer, joining Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Bettinelli. These acquisitions form part of a wider recruitment drive aimed at refreshing the squad and adding depth ahead of a demanding 2025/26 season.
With a combined spend exceeding £116 million already this summer, City are once again making their intentions clear: to remain competitive on all fronts and continue building one of the most formidable teams in world football.
The timing of Reijnders’ arrival is particularly strategic. With the Club World Cup expanding and gaining increased importance, Guardiola will be relying on squad depth more than ever.
The addition of a proven European midfielder like Reijnders not only strengthens City’s midfield options but also provides fresh tactical possibilities in a tournament where games come thick and fast.
City’s midfield has been one of the most dominant in European football in recent years, but with Ilkay Gündogan having left the club last summer and Kevin De Bruyne dealing with recurring injury issues, fresh legs and ideas are welcome.
Reijnders offers a balance of offensive flair and defensive awareness, traits that will complement the likes of Rodri, Mateo Kovačić, and Phil Foden.
As the FIFA Club World Cup draws near, all eyes will be on how quickly Reijnders adapts to Guardiola’s system.
If his time at AC Milan is anything to go by, City fans have every reason to be optimistic.
His signing is not just a statement of intent for the tournament ahead but also an investment in maintaining City’s long-term supremacy.
